The International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP) has conferred Chivi Rural District Council chairperson Killer Zivhu with an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters (DHL) in recognition of his contribution to various philanthropic works countrywide.
BY STAFF REPORTER
Speaking at the conferment yesterday, Philanthropy Institute of Zimbabwe (PIZ) chief facilitator Enrico Sibanda said the accolade was designed for individuals who have made significant change or who have preserved something societies tended to see as valuable through multiple generations.
“The Doctor of Humane Letters degree cannot be done via academic efforts and instead must be gained though significant contributions to society, humanity and philanthropy,” Sibanda said.
“An honoris causa degree is given when the recipient has contributed significantly to society and in this way, the DHL degree is recognition of practical application of expertise in humanities or philanthropic areas.”
He added: “As an honoris causa degree, the Doctor of Humane Letters distinction is not the same as an academic or earned degree where a student earns his title based on successful completion of required coursework. The practice of philanthropy can never be attained academically as philanthropists are born and live a life of practising philanthropy.”
In an interview on the side-lines of the conferment, Zivhu, who is also the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Housing Association director-general, said he was humbled by the honour.
“Giving does not mean we have, but it is a gesture to help those who are in need. I am humbled that there are some people who have recognised what I have done in terms of charity work at present to an extent of honouring me in this way. This is not for me, but for the community,” Zivhu said.
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“I grew up being taught by my grandmother to have a heart of giving and I shall continue helping and sharing with the needy the little that I have.”
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes. Zivhu has initiated a number of developmental projects in Chivi among them Wezhira Ndionewo Foundation which has raised funds to patients with chronic diseases such as cancer, heart problems, and kidney failure to go abroad and receive proper treatment.
According to the citation, Zivhu has also assisted schools by building classrooms, providing furniture and sponsoring sporting activities and initiated projects to villagers affected by the Tokwe Mukosi flood disaster.
